Quick Links
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Annual Appeal

Even though 2018 is here, it is not too late to send in your annual appeal donation.  Help us start off the new year on the right foot. You can mail in your donation or give online. Thank you!
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2018 Business Sponsorship's Available

If you would like to learn more about being a 2018 business sponsor, please contact  Laura Scott, Development Director, at 228-7604 for more information. 
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Your support does make a difference!
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New Exercise Classes 

If you are looking to start the year with improved health and wellness goals, we have you covered.  Check out the new Bone Builders  class schedule .
Classes are designed for those 55+ and are FREE.
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There is Still Time: Newman's Own 
Holiday Challenge

From now until January 3, 2018, the Friends Youth Mentoring Program is entered into this challenge to raise funds to support our Program.  Every online donation helps this effort.  Thank You!
 
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Homelessness on the Rise in New Hampshire

After years of  decline, t he numbe r of homeless in NH is rising and unfortunately, 
we are seeing an increase in homeless families. Read t
he report
here.

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T hank you for your support of the Friends Emergency Housing Program, which works with homeless families to provide them with the support, education and training to assist them in acquiring long-term skills and accessing resources to find a nd maintain permanent housing.
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Shop at Rite Aid to Support the Youth Mentoring Program

Enroll in 
KidCents  and your in-store & online purchases at Rite Aid will be rounded up to the next whole dollar amount. Your change can go to our Youth Mentoring Program and make a meaningful difference in the lives of local children.
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Join the Legacy Society

The Friends Program's Legacy Society is a dedicated group of friends who have made planned gifts to the program to ensure and strengthen its future. Planned giving opportunities include bequests and estate planned gifts and life income gifts.  Click here for more information. 

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Help Us Spread the Word About Friends

Do you belong to a neighborhood group, service organization, or workplace giving collaborative?  If so, we would love to be a guest speaker at an upcoming meeting to let others know what the Friends Program does.   Contact us if interested. 
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Youth Mentoring Orientations

Make a difference in the life of a Merrimack County young person and be a mentor. The first step is attending an orientation that will introduce you to our program and outline what's involved. 

Upcoming orientation:
Tuesday, January 23rd
Thursday, February 22nd

Orientations are from 4:30-7pm at the Friends Program office, 202 North State Street, Concord.

Step up and step in to help a needy child. 
Call 228-0108 for more info.  
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RSVP Program Orientation
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The RSVP Program is holding an orientation on Thursday, January 18th from 2-3pm in Concord at the Friends Program office.  

Please RSVP by calling 603-228-0139 or email Jennifer Army.
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We Want YOU!

Do you want to support the Friends Program by getting more involved? 

We are always looking for volunteers to serve on the  Development Committee, which helps with fundraising and events, and the  RSVP Advisory Committee

If you are interested in learning more about these volunteer opportunities,   contact us
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Support the Friends Program when you Shop
 
Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchase  from  AmazonSmile to the Friends Program so shop away.

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Friends Program on the Radio!

Take a listen to the December 2nd Half Hour to Health radio interview with the Friends Program.
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January 2018
January is National Mentoring Month

The Friends Youth Mentoring Program celebrates its mentors and mentees as they continue to thrive and benefit from time with the program.  These volunteer mentors have taken simple steps to offer support to kids, and as a result, we have happier, healthier, and more successful youngsters.  

"We enjoy connecting area children with mentoring opportunities that clearly serve them well."  Terri A. Smith, Program Director                

Please consider mentoring today.  Call (603) 228-0108 for more information.  
 What is Your New Year's Resolution?
Every year, many of us make a list of things we want to accomplish in the new year. Loose weight, be healthier, travel more, pay off debt, pet a baby goat (ok, that is probably just me).  In all likelihood, these will fall by the wayside come mid-February when "real life" gets in the way.

How about this year, we make a resolution to help others, give back and make our community a better place for everyone in it?  Sounds daunting and too big, I know, but it doesn't have to be.  

The Friends Program works to help at-risk youth, low-income seniors, homeless families, and so many others in need every day and we do it with your support.  Your support!  You make this possible and you can do even more.  

Volunteer, increase your charitable giving, host a fundraiser, tell your friends and family about the work we do, collect toys for the holidays, bake birthday cakes for those at the shelter, etc.  The options are endless on how you can make a difference.

Make 2018 the year you keep your New Year's resolutions. Thank you!
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Thank You to the 2018 Emergency Housing Program Sponsor

The Friends Program would like to thank Keystone Management Co., Inc. for being a 2018 Program Sponsor for the Emergency Housing Program.  

According to Myles Tarbell, "Keystone Management is proud to sponsor the Emergency Housing Program to help families, and especially children, find a safe and warm temporary home.  Moreover as the Friends Program provides training and life skills coaching to parents, you are able help these families find a more successful future through new job opportunities and financial independence. 
    
As children are involved, the work you do is incredibly meaningful and valuable.  Keystone Management is proud to be a part of the Friends Emergency Housing mission of strengthening our community. 
Thank You!

Thank you to the following businesses, organizations, and individuals that supported the Friends Program in December. 
Bead It! in Concord
Concord Food Co-op in Concord
Pats Peak in Henniker
Red River Theaters in Concord
Southern NH University, Corporate Consulting Class

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Director of Senior Programs Hired 

The Friends Program is pleased to announce that Susan Smith has been hired at the Director of Senior Programs. 
 
Susan is the former Executive Director of NH Voices for Health. She worked with seniors at the Taylor Community as the Administrator and COO. Susan has a wealth of grant and administration experience and a passion for working with seniors.

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Youth Mentoring Holiday Thank you

On behalf of the deserved kids involved with the Friends Youth Mentoring Program, we offer deep appreciation for the outpouring of generosity towards them this holiday season.  Direct gifts of toys, clothing, sports equipment, and more, provided support and a line of hope towards better days. 
 
Several businesses and individuals sponsored kids:  Jan Eskeland with 5th graders from Bow Memorial School, Marolyn Miller with Upton & Hatfield, Sue Lyndes .....r ead more  here .
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 December 2017 Grants Received

Thank you to the following foundations for supporting the Friends Program:

Foster Grandparent Program  Support



Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Support

Youth Mentoring Program Support

Rolfe & Rumford Donor Advised Fund


Caregiver Volunteers Needed

With the winter weather here to stay, the  RSVP Caregivers Program is looking for volunteers to provide rides to those in need.  Volunteers provides door-through-door transportation for medical appointments and basic needs. 

Rides are free of charge to participants, who are 60+ yr old and provide much needed help to get out and about in these snowy conditions.
 
If you are interested in learning more about this program or volunteering, contact Cindy at 228-7615.
 
Thank you to the following highlighted 2018 Business Sponsors
   


















Friends Program | 202 North State Street | Concord, NH 03301
  (603) 228-1193 | lscott@friendsprogram.org |